Amaranthus Plant Nutrients and Soil Nutrient Dynamics with Cassava Peel Compost. Issue 2 (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Makinde, Eyitayo A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of vegetable science. Volume 22:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Amaranthus cruentus -- Farm -- Nutrient change -- Soil -- Utilization -- Waste; Vegetables -- Periodicals; Vegetables -- Research -- Periodicals; 635
• DOI: 10.1080/19315260.2014.969863
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1931-5260

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Composted cassava ( Manihot esculenta . Crantz) peels may serve as a nutrient source in Amaranthus spp. cultivation. A screenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the rate of cassava peel compost needed to support optimum Amaranthus plant and residual soil nutrient content. A compost of cassava peel and poultry manure was applied at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10 Mt.ha −1 2 weeks before sowing Amaranthus seed in plastic containers. Plants were harvested 5 weeks after emergence by ratooning and plant regrowth harvested after an additional 5 weeks. Plant shoot N was highest due to application of 5 Mt.ha −1 of compost; P was generally reduced, with the highest reduction due to application of 5 Mt.ha −1 of compost. Shoot K content was increased, with the highest occurring due to application of 2.5 Mt.ha −1 of compost. Root nutrient N and K contents were highest due to application of 10 Mt.ha −1 of compost; P was highest due to application of 7.5 Mt.ha −1 of compost. Soil pH was most reduced due to application of 2.5 Mt.ha −1 of compost. Organic matter content, organic carbon content, and total N were most increased due to application of 10 Mt.ha −1 of compost; soil exchangeable K was lowest due to application of 5 Mt.ha −1 of compost. Application of 7.5 Mt.ha −1 cassava peel compost produced the optimum Amaranthus shoot nutrient content with optimum residual soil nutrient content.